Chapter 7 The Emperor’s exploit with his Concubine
Daevir's POV
The next day
I stepped into the imperial courts, clinging to Amarien's charm like my life depended on it. I could hear Emperor Darian’s voice from within, addressing his generals and councilmen. I stepped in, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me.
They all looked proud.
I lowered myself to my knees before the Emperor.
“Father,” I said. “It's my honour to serve the Imperial Lord of the East.”
Emperor Darian chuttled. “And soon to be emperor of the South,” his voice beamed with sickly satisfaction. “Rise now, son. We have matters to discuss.”
My eyes caught Zephyr, who was also beaming with delight.
If only they knew what I am. Quickly, I pressed my palm into Amarien’s charm, stopping my thoughts.
It's Zephyr I want to see. He's the one I have business with. But I must endure the Emperor's presence for now.
“Werewolves are beasts from hell.” Emperor Darian continued, “They deserve nothing but rot in an open field, isn't that right, son?”
I nodded.
“You’ve done a good job getting Theron on his heels. But it's not enough.”
Silence settled in the court.
Emperor Darian continued. “You will fulfil your destiny when you match South and wipe out everyone last Werewolf on the planet. I want Theron's head hanging on a pole at the end.”
I nodded again. This time, absent-minded. Eradicating all werewolves means I'll be dead too. How could I eradicate what I am?
Empero Darian leaned back, his eyes beaming with satisfaction. “Last night was particularly exciting. Wasn't it, son? Zephyr told me the little fun you had in your quarters.” He winked.
I forced myself not to roll my eyes.
“I particularly had fun,” he continued despite my lack of response. “I finally got to meet my little trinket. The cursed concubine.”
I froze. My stomach churned. “You what?!”
The whole court turned to me. Everyone looked stunned. What could warrant that response? Zephyr was up on his feet at this point, his eyes searching mine as if telling me to behave myself.
But Emperor Darian doesn't care; he went on like the sickly, lustful man that he is. “She was so tender and frail. Just the way I like them.”
“You didn't touch her, did you?” My gaze blazed into my father's.
Did he even deserve to be called that?
A sickly man who exploits young girls because he has the power to. My fist tightened and my boot ground forward. I felt Amarien's charm collapse in my palm. I wasn't sure what I'd do next, but the rage in my heart gave room to no thoughts.
“Thanks for such insight, you imperial majesty.” Zephyr stepped before me and bowed, blocking my path to my father. He was firm with a calm smile on his face. His silk eunuch robes billowed gracefully around him as he bowed.
This was Zephyr’s way of telling me to stay back and calm down.
“Tell us more, Emperor. We love to know how well it went.” He remained bowed, his hands tucked into his silk robes.
Emperor Darian, who still looked awfully pleased with himself, chuttled. “Ah, there's not much to say. I did not touch her yet. I only sneaked into her quarters to get a good look at her. I was hoping to catch her a little more... vulnerable in the night...”
He burst into a loud roar of laughter. Everyone joined in. Everyone except Zephyr and me. I must have looked so disgusted and irritated that Zephyr had to press his feet into mine to get my attention back in the room.
I forced a short chuttled. I'm relieved to know Amarien is alright.
But I should have protected her!
I shouldn't have left her to roam the palace walls alone last night!
“We are glad you love your little trinket, Emperor.” Zephyr nodded. He straightened up from his bow, his calm smile still on his face.
“Perhaps, keeping off the outer courts might be a good move, Father.” I spat.
The court went dead silent. They were all stunned to hear me express myself for once.
“And what do you mean by that, son?” Emperor Darian spat.
Silence.
I mean,” I cleared my throat and bowed. “We need to know the nature of your illness before you're allowed to move freely through the courts. We don't want the case of an infection that could spread through the palace. Or worse, an infection that could make your illness even more fatal.”
Emperor Darian nodded, his hands combing through his long, grey beard.
“That seems awfully reasonable.” He nodded in agreement. “My son isn't just skilled with warfare; he is skilled in wisdom. Weldone Prince Daevir.”
The meeting was over, and while the Emperor disappeared into his chambers, I raced after Zephyr to ask him the only question pounding in my heart.
Why am I a werewolf?
But I couldn't. Not with the guilt I feel in my heart. Not when werewolves are our fatal enemies. I had to present my questions in ways that wouldn't lead to any form of suspicion.
Zephyr loves me, but I don't think he'd ever love what I've become. No one will.
I caught up with Zephyr in his library. He was buried in one of his books, combing through his long gray beard with his other hand.
“Are you also going to try to snap my old bones when I tell you my exploits at the party last night?” Zephyr hummed with sarcasm.
I rolled my eyes. “You know how much I hate it when Emperor Darian talks of his nights with young girls.”
“He is Emperor, and he is your father, Daevir. When will you learn to call him father?”
“When he starts acting like one.” My hands trail the books on Zephyr’s table. Maybe I could see one with the topics on humans suddenly turning into werewolves. Maybe I could get an explanation in one of his books without asking Zephyr the hunting questions in my heart directly.
“You seem to be bothered about something.” Zephyr broke the silence. “Was it the girl from last night?”
“I don't want to talk about it.” I spat.
“I understand, Daevir.” Zephyr shrugged nonchalantly. “Who would want to talk about his father's concubine being in the bathtub with him on a full moon night?”
I froze!
Zephyr, you snake. You knew all along!